Boundary-pushing K-pop group CORTIS has been named to the “Friends of the NBA,” becoming the first K-pop act set to perform at NBA All-Star festivities, the league announced on 18 January 2026.

The National Basketball Association said CORTIS has joined its “Friends of the NBA” celebrity and influencer program in Asia, marking a new collaboration at the intersection of music, sports, and global pop culture. The partnership is expected to include appearances at NBA games and events, original content initiatives, co-developed NBA-branded apparel and merchandise, and participation in league promotional activities.

As part of the collaboration, the NBA confirmed that CORTIS will perform at NBA Crossover, the league’s fan experience running from 12 to 15 February at the Los Angeles Convention Center during NBA All-Star 2026. The group will headline NBA Crossover Opening Night on 12 February, making history as the first K-pop act to perform at an NBA All-Star event. Additional appearances during the All-Star weekend are expected to be announced.

“Joining the ‘Friends of the NBA’ is a milestone we didn’t imagine reaching so early in our career,” said CORTIS. “As a group that strives to ‘color outside the lines,’ we see a natural connection between our music and the creative, boundary-pushing spirit of the NBA, and we aim to bring that same intensity to our music and performances. We are beyond excited to bring our energy to represent the NBA and to connect with fans through this unique collaboration of sports and culture.”

NBA Asia Managing Director Wayne Chang said the partnership highlights the shared values between basketball and K-pop.

“Welcoming CORTIS into our ‘Friends of the NBA’ program highlights the powerful synergy between sport and music,” Chang said. “K-pop embodies many of the same qualities as the NBA, with its ability to inspire passion, creativity, and global fandom. Together with CORTIS, we will celebrate the artistry of basketball and K-pop and create new and unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide, beginning next month at NBA All-Star in Los Angeles.”

CORTIS debuted in 2025 with an EP that entered the Billboard 200 at No. 15, making the group the only rookie act that year to reach the milestone. The group recorded more than 100 million streams in its first month and has amassed over 17 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. Rolling Stone described the act as “the coolest K-pop debut” of 2025.

The NBA said the partnership builds on its expanding relationship with K-pop, following previous collaborations with BTS member SUGA, LE SSERAFIM, and ENHYPEN. Launched in 2022, the “Friends of the NBA” program features celebrities and influencers from across the Asia-Pacific region who engage with fans through NBA games, events, and programming.

Tickets to NBA Crossover are available through NBAEvents.com, with packages offering access to concerts, fan experiences, and VIP viewing options.